Extensive Upper Airway Hematoma Secondary to Supratherapeutic Warfarin Anticoagulation

Case Presentation: A 63-year-old female presented to the emergency department complaining of cough, neck swelling, dysphagia, and dysphonia for two days, with a past medical history of atrial fibrillation managed with warfarin. Investigations revealed a supratherapeutic international normalised rati...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Taofiq Olusegun Oyedokun, Kevin Manuel Durr
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: eScholarship Publishing, University of California 2020-11-01
Series:Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
Online Access:https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6bd8v8sm
Description
Summary:Case Presentation: A 63-year-old female presented to the emergency department complaining of cough, neck swelling, dysphagia, and dysphonia for two days, with a past medical history of atrial fibrillation managed with warfarin. Investigations revealed a supratherapeutic international normalised ratio (greater than 10). Imaging and endoscopic examination showed an extensive retropharyngeal hematoma with significant mass effect on the airway. Discussion: A rare but potentially fatal complication of warfarin anticoagulation is upper airway hematoma, with violent coughing described as an inciting cause. Signs of airway compromise necessitate specialist consultation and definitive airway management, while mild cases without airway concerns can be managed conservatively with medical anticoagulation reversal.
ISSN:2474-252X